Discard criteria of PPE - confirmend by science

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Result # 1.: Age/time is no discard criterion. 
PPE does not degradiate over time to an extent that it becomes dangerous to use.
Even 40 year old ropes ropes  are safe if the sheath is intact and the core is consistent.
Only wear and/or destruction  

Result # 2.: Webbing (tubular or flat) is not reliable if left in the outdoors.
Slings which have been exposed to sun and wear for some years can fail under body weight (toprope, rappell ...).
Result # 3.: Multiple bending around small diameters destroys the core of ropes.
Permanent topropes in climbing gyms should used only for toprope purposes. 
Do not use them for heavy loads like static factor 2 falls or tyrolian traverses.
Result # 4.: A major fall or load does not reduce safety. 
If the visual and tactile inspection shows no defects it is fit for use.

Result # 5.: Following discard criteria are confirmed:
All textile PPE:
  • Chemicals, especially sulphur acid can reduce strength dramatically.
  • Temperature above 120  Degrees C can damage PPE, depending on the material. 
  • A rope running over another rope (or harness) can cut through. If 2 ropes are in a toprope carabiner, about 10 meters rubbing while lowering a person can.
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Ropes:
  • If the core of a rope is visible (sheath is destructed) --> discard.
  • If the rope is thinner on a section (tactile inspection) --> discard. The core may be defect.  
Harnesses
  • Harnesses: If the stitching is damaged --> discard. 
  • If the webbing is damaged --> discard.

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